EMMA ROWLAND-ELSEN: SPECIALIST CONSULTANT IN CHOIR INCLUSION AND MENTAL HEALTH
I work with choirs, festivals, competitions, and arts organisations to help them create singing environments that are inclusive, supportive, and sustainable, for singers - and the people leading them.
I specialise in identifying the subtle wellbeing and accessibility factors that often go unnoticed, and turn them into practical, actionable improvements. Through audits, policy guidance, participant-experience walkthroughs, and tailored training, I help leaders and organisations build cultures where singers feel confident, engaged, and able to flourish both musically and emotionally.
With 25 years of conducting experience and a decade working at the intersection of voice, mental health, and community, I combine professional insight with lived experience. As a conductor with PTSD, I understand first-hand how rehearsal culture, leadership approach, and performance structure shape safety, belonging, and long-term wellbeing, and how small, thoughtful changes can make a lasting difference.
I specialise in identifying the subtle wellbeing and accessibility factors that often go unnoticed, and turn them into practical, actionable improvements. Through audits, policy guidance, participant-experience walkthroughs, and tailored training, I help leaders and organisations build cultures where singers feel confident, engaged, and able to flourish both musically and emotionally.
With 25 years of conducting experience and a decade working at the intersection of voice, mental health, and community, I combine professional insight with lived experience. As a conductor with PTSD, I understand first-hand how rehearsal culture, leadership approach, and performance structure shape safety, belonging, and long-term wellbeing, and how small, thoughtful changes can make a lasting difference.
who i work with
Emma's work in choirs and mental health has been featured by:
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"A mentally-healthy choir isn't just a nice extra - it's the foundation for safe, sustainable, and transformative singing. When we prioritise mental wellbeing in our work, we don't just make better music, we build vibrant communities where every member feels valued, supported and empowered to sing freely."
services for organisations & festivals
MENTAL HEALTH AND INCLUSION AUDITS
Tailored reviews to make your choir event safer and more inclusive. Suitable for all events from community festivals to professional competitions.
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THE MENTALLY-HEALTHY CHOIR TOOLKIT
A practical, trauma-aware toolkit designed to help choir leaders create safer, more inclusive, and emotionally- intelligent singing spaces.
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CUSTOM TRAINING
Mental health and inclusion training for your organisation or team with the specific focus of the choral environment and participant experience.
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because choir is more than just singing
Your singers arrive with full lives - joy, stress, excitement, anxiety, big feelings, hopeful voices. A mentally-healthy choir culture gives them a place to breathe, express, and belong. With the right support, you can reduce overwhelm, increase confidence, minimise emotional fallout after performances, and create a space where every singer - from your most anxious beginner to your boldest diva - feels held and heard.
services for choirs and choir leaders
THE MENTALLY-HEALTHY CHOIR TOOLKIT
A practical, trauma-aware toolkit designed to help choir leaders create safer, more inclusive, and emotionally-intelligent singing spaces.
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PODCAST: UNMUTED
Gritty conversations on what it's really like to run mentally-healthy choirs.
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INCLUSION AND MENTAL HEALTH POLICY TEMPLATE
A ready-to-use, fully-customisable Inclusion & Mental Health Policy, tailored for choirs. Saves you time and gives your choir credibility and confidence.
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NEWS | NEWS | NEWS
Emma carries the Baton of HopeEmma was selected to be a baton bearer for the Baton of Hope 2025 tour! The Baton of Hope is the UK's biggest suicide-prevention initiative and walking with the baton symbolises being part of a movement to raise awareness and drive action around mental health and suicide prevention.
On October 2nd 2025, the Tour came to Hereford where Emma was privileged to walk with the Baton through the grounds of the historic Hereford Cathedral. While she walked, her Sing out Strong choirs performed. Click through the slideshow to see all the photos. |
ABOUT EMMA
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialists in choral inclusion and mental health, Emma Rowland-Elsen works at the intersection of singing, wellbeing, and organisational practice. A veteran choral conductor, sound–voice therapist, Editor (Mental Health and Inclusion) at CHORALLY and consultant, she helps choirs and music organisations create environments that are safe, inclusive and empowering for everyone. - Lived experience of trauma and PTSD informs practical, grounded guidance; - Over 10 years of leading inclusive, mentally-informed choirs; - More than 13,000 singers guided towards safer, inclusive rehearsals; - Choral clients report reduced risk and higher participant satisfaction; - Trusted by singers, leaders, and organisations globally. |
